Concepts of Nursing NUR 123
Concepts related to the care of
individuals
-Self-Concept
King Saud University-Nursing College
Self-Concept
 Self-concept is an individual’s perception of
self and is what helps make each individual
unique.
 Positive and negative self-assessments in the
physical, emotional, intellectual, and functional
dimensions change over time.
 Self-concept affects the ability to function and
greatly influences health status.
Dimensions of Self-Concept
 Self-knowledge — “Who am I?”
 Self-expectation — “Who or what do I want to be?”
 Social self – How person perceived by others?
 Self-evaluation — “How well do I like myself?”
Self knowledge
It includes:
1. Basic facts: sex, age, race, occupation, cultural
background, sexual orientation
2. Person’s position with social groups
Self expectations
 The ideal self constitutes the self one want to
be.
 Self expectations develop unconsciously early
in childhood and are based on image of role
models such as parents
Components of Self-Concept
 Identity
 Body image
 Self-esteem
 Role performance
Interrelationship of Components
of Self-Concept
Components of Self-Concept
 A sense of personal identity is what sets one
person apart as a unique individual.
 Identity includes a person’s name, gender,
ethnic identity, family status, occupation, and
roles.
Components of Self-Concept
 Body image is an attitude about one’s physical
attributes and characteristics, appearance, and
performance.
 Body image is dynamic because any change in
body structure or function, including the normal
changes of growth and development, can
affect it.
Development of Self-Concept
 Self-concept evolves throughout life and
depends to an extent on an individual’s
developmental level.
Stages in Development of Self
 Self-awareness (infancy)
 Self-recognition (18 months)
 Self-definition (3 years)
 Self-concept (6 to 7 years)
Factors Affecting Self-Concept
 Altered Health Status
 Aging, illness, or trauma
 Experience
 Developmental considerations
 Culture
 Internal and external resources
 History of success and failure
 Crisis or life stressors
Assessment
 Assess the client’s strengths to be used
as a foundation on which to build
therapeutic interventions.
• Maintain appropriate relationships
• Care for self in order to meet basic needs
• Adapt to stressors in a positive manner
Nursing Diagnoses
 Disturbed Body Image
 Parental Role Conflict
 Disturbed Personal Identity
 Ineffective Role Performance
 Chronic Low Self-Esteem
 Situational Low Self-Esteem
Nursing Diagnoses
 Disturbed Personal Identity
 Anxiety
 Social Isolation
 Hopelessness
 Powerlessness
Implementation
 Initiate Therapeutic Interaction
 Support Healthy Defense Mechanisms
 Ensure Satisfaction of Needs
•
•
Physical needs
Psychosocial needs
Helping Patients Maintain Sense of
Self
 Communicate worth with looks, speech, and
judicious touch.
 Acknowledge patient status, role, and individuality.
 Speak to patient respectfully.
 Offer simple explanations for procedures.
Helping Patients Maintain Sense of
Self
 Move patient’s body respectfully if necessary.
 Respect patient’s privacy and sensibilities.
 Acknowledge and allow expression of negative
feelings.
 Help patients recognize strengths and explore
alternatives.